GEN 2 Installed the Tesla-style Linkswell 12" touchscreen in the 2017 today

[Jake17]

I'm kinda jealous

 

[VLOCRPTR]

I actually was taking a jab at driver longevity. ;-) Although I've noticed the trend in (successful -- I'm sorry, I can't take Tesla seriously until they can build a model three outside a tent in a parking lot) automotive companies going the other way. Let me qualify that statement: My wife's 2013 Explorer Limited was almost all touch everything. She got used to where everything was after awhile, but I didn't. When I drove it (sparingly), I found myself eyes off the road trying to adjust the temperature/fan/whatever often... It was all touch. That's just not safe, not matter how you slice it.

Her new 2017 Explorer Platinum replaced the touch panel buttons with *actual* buttons. Same location, same function, just... buttons. Ford got it.

The new hotness is bigger screens; But while it's tolerable to have my face glued to my new bigger phone screen in a meeting (my boss may disagree), the same absolutely does not apply to driving. I'm glad Ford didn't increase the size of their infotainment display with the 2017. Those new Rams do what Dodge does best: Knee jerk throw something into their truck they think consumers will spend more money on. It looks cool, and I'm sure Chrysler's marketing heads love it, but that 100" screen in the '19 Ram is a hard pass for me.

THAT BEING SAID (and I promise I'm done hijacking your thread now), for your needs as stated, that gigantic LCD looks awesome and is a great mod. I'm kind of jealous, but when I have my two young boys in their car seats behind me, I'll be just fine with my climate buttons.

Would love to see some more photos and if you come up with inventive ways to use it!

Thanks for your further clarification. This is another example of the wonderful ways in which technology and automobilia is extremely personal. 90% of the stuff I purchased and installed (myself, mind you) on my truck are things others likely think are stupid.

The good news is that I didn't purchase or make it for them!

Again, I totally appreciate the discussion and don't take it as hijacking the thread!

/Hoff

 

[Edbert]

You mentioned the "stock backup camera" works fine, is that the all-around multiple camera view or just the rear facing?

I hit the link, and noticed they only go up to 2017 in the list of vehicles, no 2018s.

 

[VLOCRPTR]

You mentioned the "stock backup camera" works fine, is that the all-around multiple camera view or just the rear facing?

I hit the link, and noticed they only go up to 2017 in the list of vehicles, no 2018s.

I just have the rear facing, not the 360. I know there are inputs for other cameras (and the kit I ordered included the camera/DVR function that I might install) but I don't have any experience with the 360. In all transparency, my rear view is also blocked because of the Hitchgate and spare, but I do get a lovely view of my Method and BFG

 

[Jake17]

I hit the link, and noticed they only go up to 2017

'15-'19 Ford F-Series GEN II “T” Style Radio
SKU: TS-FDPU12-1RR-9
$1095
Out of stock!

 

[xxaarraa]

OP, nice job, looks great! Thanks for sharing.

Very interested in hearing how the following stock functions perform in real world scenarios (most of these are specific to my 802 features that I love):

• front and all around cameras - very useful while parking in tight spots,
• HVAC and heated seat/steering controls,
• BT phone audio controls for changing tracks, pinch and zoom for maps while in NAV like Tesla,
• BT phone reliably auto connecting each time you get in the car.

Also, the following are nice to have, but what about bypass/overrides for playing videos on that screen while in motion?

 

[VLOCRPTR]

I'll make a list and check it twice! I don't have all of the options you mention (cameras, seat controls) as the truck had minimal options (I purchased it used with 8K miles) but I'll do my best. I haven't loaded any videos yet and I need to run their USB input cable to enable carplay/etc. as well as being able to connect a flash drive in order to upload videos to the unit itself.

Will report back with what I find.

 

[xxaarraa]

Thanks OP. Also curious what you make of these other experiences based on a few other gos at this:

https://www.fordraptorforum.com/thr...adio-dont-waste-your-time.63538/#post-1293774

https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/just-ordered-the-tesla-style-radio-for-my-raptor.61129/

 

[VLOCRPTR]

Thanks OP. Also curious what you make of these other experiences based on a few other gos at this:

https://www.fordraptorforum.com/thr...adio-dont-waste-your-time.63538/#post-1293774

https://www.fordraptorforum.com/threads/just-ordered-the-tesla-style-radio-for-my-raptor.61129/

One of them is confirmed to be a Linkswell (what I have) but I don't know if it's the Generation I or II (I have a II)

I don't have any of the issues that the OP of the first link has (except the need to run a USB port extender to get the CarPlay working) but I've also only got a whopping 1 day of seat time with the unit.

There are a number of knock-offs and competitors to the Linkswell unit, so it may be that the generic reference to "Tesla style" radio replacement are confusing things.

Regardless, I like it very much at this point and once I get the hotspot wired so I can use Google Maps (although the iGo navigation from them is quite good) as well as wire up the other items, I'll report back.

Please keep in mind that I don't have the 802 package, so YMMV.

So far, no issues I haven't found solutions for.

/Hoff

 

[NV997tt]

802a NAV sucks (IMHO) I would too wonder about the distraction of the all screen and no real button scenarios. Also, how is the brightness in dark driving? (And from a distraction standpoint)

I literally had no use for my climate screen other than the heated steering wheel button (which now I also don’t need as the 3.0 software update has it on the home screen) meaning I use the hard buttons rather than touch in that application

All this is a different case for the OP, if I had the small screen I would have done this already too. I mean I kinda want it even now... but think it’s a very different consideration when you have the 8 and 802. Wonder how those different things interface and if it’s a worth while upgrade?

Cool factor s awesome, and (while dangerous, I know) I wish I could have YouTube on my screen while driving.

Jealous and curious. Badass